Professional Development Certificate (PDC) in Travel Medicine
The PDC in Travel Medicine has been designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of doctors, nurses and pharmacists working within Travel Medicine.
Course information
The PDC in Travel Medicine has been designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of doctors, nurses and pharmacists working within Travel Medicine. Other relevant healthcare professionals with an interest in this area may be considered within the application process. The qualification will provide practitioners with knowledge and understanding of travel medicine in relation to the core aspects of travel health.
The course has four core modules:
- Pre-Travel Risk Assessment & Management
- Travel Related Infections
- Malaria and Mosquito Borne Diseases
- Immunology and Immunisations
On successful completion, a Professional Development Certificate (PDC) in Travel Medicine will be awarded from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
This course has been designed to be challenging, worthwhile and an enjoyable experience for you.
Course Duration and Intakes
The standard timeframe for this course is 6 months. There are 4 modules in total and each module will have specific assignments to submit on set dates (full timetable will be provided upon acceptance). Students have the option of 2 start dates over the course of the year and applications are now open.
- 25 March 2024
- 23 September 2024
Course fees
Medically qualified participant – £1,195
Non-medically qualified participant – £995
Those who are non-members will be offered complimentary affiliate membership for one year and access to TRAVAX for the duration of the course.
Method of Delivery and Course Requirements
The course is delivered entirely online using electronic modules with self-directed study. Students will have access to a Tutor Group, who will provide guidance throughout the programme. Students will be required to have appropriate ICT equipment and be computer literate in order to access the course resources and materials.
Applicants with English as a second language, will be assessed for suitability during the application process.
Entry Requirements
A relevant professional qualification is required for this course. The programme has been designed to meet the needs of doctors, nurses and pharmacists working within Travel Medicine. However, other relevant healthcare professionals with an interest in this area may be considered. Applications will be vetted for suitability to the programme.
Qualification and Options
Students who successfully complete the PDC will then have the option to progress onto the Postgraduate Diploma in Travel Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. If accepted onto the Diploma following completion of the PDC then they will be eligible for a £500 discount off the Diploma fee.
Course Framework
| Professional Development Certificate (PDC) in Travel Medicine | ||
|---|---|---|
| Module Name | Status | Level |
| 1 Pre-Travel Risk Assessment and Management | Mandatory | Undergraduate |
| 2 Travel Related Infections | Mandatory | Undergraduate |
| 3 Malaria and Other Mosquito Borne Diseases | Mandatory | Undergraduate |
| 4 Immunology and Immunisations | Mandatory | Undergraduate |
Learning Outcomes
Explain the purpose of performing a pre-travel risk assessment and the risk management process within a consultation.
Performance criteria for module 1:
- 1.1 Assess an individual’s plans and fitness to travel
- 1.2 Evaluate an individual’s health and safety risks for a proposed trip
- 1.3 Demonstrate actual or potential risks based on the information gathered
- 1.4 Recommend appropriate immunisations and prophylactic medications where indicated
- 1.5 Prepare and educate travellers on ways to minimise potential risks at the destination(s)
Demonstrate an awareness of the range of infections travellers may be exposed to.
Performance criteria for module 2:
- 2.1 Identify reliable and up to date sources of information on travel related infections including outbreak information and emerging/re-emerging infection
- 2.2 Apply a working knowledge of infections relevant to travel medicine
- 2.3 Understand the range of prevention strategies against travel-related infections
Have current knowledge for advising travellers on malaria prevention and an understanding of other key mosquito borne diseases including appropriate prevention methods.
Performance criteria for module 3:
- 3.1 Describe the epidemiology of mosquito borne diseases
- 3.2 Describe knowledge to comprehensively advise a traveller going to a risk area for malaria, including chemoprophylaxis, awareness of risk and diagnosis
- 3.3 Define the various types of mosquito borne infections, and the individual prevention measures, including vaccination where available
- 3.4 Demonstrate a good understanding of the various mosquito bite avoidance measures and the ability to impart this knowledge to travellers
Have knowledge of the key components of the immune system in relation to immunisation.
Have a clear understanding of applicable travel medicine vaccines, appropriate procedures and administration of them.
Performance criteria for module 4:
- 4A.1 Describe the key components of the immune system in relation to immunisation
- 4B.1 Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the vaccines applicable to travel medicine
- 4B.2 Apply the correct guidelines to storage, handling and administration of vaccines
- 4B.3 Assess an individual’s risk when recommending vaccines to travellers
- 4B.4 Modify vaccine recommendations for individuals when necessary